In an attempt to slow the COVID-19 virus’s rapid spread, many local, state and federal governments have issued quarantine and shelter-in-place orders. But, while many businesses are being forced to shut down, others are deemed “essential services” — necessary to protect and sustain our communities.

It’s up to individual state leaders to declare which businesses and services are essential. While some services would make every state’s list (healthcare, energy, water), other businesses might be left wondering if they’re considered “essential enough” to stay open.

Other Community- Or Government-based Operations And Essential Functions

Critical Manufacturing

Hazardous Materials

Financial Services

Chemical

Defense Industrial Base

Commercial Facilities

Residential/Shelter Facilities And Services

Hygiene Products And Services

Did your business make your state’s list? Are you able to operate while respecting social distancing and other mandates?

Introducing a “No Contact” Model

Popular food delivery service Postmates was one of the first businesses to introduce a “no contact” model for deliveries. Most simply, instead of asking customers to interact in person with delivery drivers, they offered to leave deliveries at the door. Doing so limits physical interactions in compliance with social distancing.

But large companies aren’t the only businesses able to offer no contact deliveries.

How AC Trash Hauling & More implemented the no contact model:

When a service is scheduled, they advise clients to leave their discarded items outside the home.

Staff can then pick it up without having to interact with the family.

They also began offering online payments for all of their services through their client portal and their website.

Most importantly, they communicated their no contact policy across their marketing channels to help customers feel safe and secure in working with them through the crisis.

They used simple, easy-to-understand messaging to convey the change.

“We are still open for business as people still have trash hauling needs. It is our desire to remove your unwanted treasures from the garage, driveway, or other outside area in order to practice “Social Distancing”. Feel free to call us with your needs.”